furosemide – oral, Lasix
Furosemide is a very potent medication. Using too much of this drug can lead to serious water and salt/mineral loss. It is important that you are closely monitored by your doctor while taking this medication. Notify your doctor immediately if you become very thirsty or confused, or develop muscle cramps/weakness. See also Side Effects section.
Furosemide is used to reduce extra fluid in the body (edema) caused by conditions such as heart failure, liver disease, and kidney disease. It can lessen symptoms such as shortness of breath and swelling in your arms, legs, and abdomen. This drug also treats high blood pressure. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Furosemide is a "water pill" (diuretic) that causes you to make more urine. This helps your body get rid of extra water and salt. OTHER This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your healthcare professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your healthcare professional. This medication may also be used to decrease a high level of calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia).
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking furosemide and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, with or without food, usually once or twice daily. It is best to avoid taking this medication within 4 hours of your bedtime to prevent having to get up to urinate. Dosage is based on your medical condition, age, and response to treatment. For children, the dose is also based on weight. Older adults usually start with a lower dose to decrease the risk of side effects. Do not increase your dose or take it more often than directed. Take this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) of the day as directed. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. Sucralfate, cholestyramine, and colestipol can decrease the absorption of furosemide. If you are taking any of these drugs, separate the timing of each dose from furosemide by at least 2 hours. Notify your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens (for example, your blood pressure readings remain high or increase).
Dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, or blurred vision may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. This medication may cause a serious loss of body water (dehydration) and salt/minerals. Notify your doctor immediately if you have any of these unlikely but serious side effects: muscle cramps, weakness, unusual tiredness, confusion, severe dizziness, fainting, drowsiness, unusual dry mouth/thirst, nausea, vomiting, fast/irregular heartbeat, unusual decrease in the amount of urine. Notify your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: numbness/tingling/pain/redness/swelling of the arms/legs, hearing changes (such as ringing in the ears, temporary or permanent decreased hearing/deafness), stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek medical help immediately if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Before taking furosemide, notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, notify your doctor or pharmacist of your medical history, especially of: kidney problems, liver problems, inability to make urine, gout, lupus. If you have diabetes, furosemide may affect your blood sugar level. Check your blood sugar level regularly as directed and share the results with your doctor. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication or diet. Furosemide may reduce the potassium level in your blood. Your doctor may instruct you to add potassium-rich foods to your diet (such as bananas, orange juice) or prescribe potassium supplements to prevent potassium loss. Ask your doctor for more details. This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths, and sunlamps. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. This drug may make you dizzy or cause blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness or clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting can increase the risk of dehydration. Report prolonged diarrhea or vomiting to your doctor. Follow your doctor’s instructions about the amount of fluids you can drink. Before having surgery, notify your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Babies born early (premature infants) and children may be more sensitive to certain effects of this drug, such as kidney stones. Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug, especially dizziness and water/mineral loss. During pregnancy, use this medication only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug passes into breast milk and may affect milk production. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: ethacrynic acid, lithium. Check the labels on all your medicines (such as cough-and-cold products, diet aids, or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen) because they may contain ingredients that could increase your blood pressure or worsen swelling (edema). Ask your pharmacist for more details. If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: fainting, severe weakness, a severe decrease in the amount of urine. Do not share this medication with others. Lifestyle changes that may help this medication work better include exercising, stopping smoking, reducing stress, and changing your diet. Consult your doctor for more details. Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as kidney tests, blood mineral levels such as potassium) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details. Check your blood pressure regularly while taking this medication. Learn how to monitor your own blood pressure at home, and share the results with your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up. Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company. Information last revised February 2014. Copyright(c) 2014 First Databank, Inc.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.
This database is intended to supplement the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. It is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects, nor does it indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for everyone. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet, or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
